Christmas Eve in my house means two things: twinkling lights everywhere and me frantically trying to pull together a festive meal while still enjoying the holiday magic. That’s how this Christmas air fryer creamy sun-dried tomato chicken ravioli was born – out of sheer desperation one year when I realized I’d spent more time decorating than cooking!
Now it’s our favorite holiday shortcut dish – creamy, comforting, and ready in just 20 minutes flat. The air fryer gives those pillowy ravioli the perfect golden crispness while keeping the chicken filling juicy. And that sun-dried tomato cream sauce? Absolute holiday magic. My kids call it “Christmas in a bowl” because the vibrant red tomatoes look so festive against the creamy sauce.
What I love most (besides the minimal cleanup!) is how the rich flavors taste like you spent hours cooking. The garlic and basil mingle with the sweet-tart tomatoes in a way that feels special enough for Christmas dinner but easy enough for those chaotic holiday weeknights. Trust me, once you try this combination of crispy ravioli and creamy filling, you’ll be making it every December just like we do!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli
This dish has saved my holiday sanity more times than I can count—here’s why it’ll become your new Christmas lifesaver too:
- Lightning fast: 20 minutes from fridge to table means more time for cookie decorating and present-wrapping chaos.
- That dreamy texture: Crispy air-fried ravioli shells give way to creamy filling—it’s like edible holiday magic.
- Festive flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes look like little Christmas ornaments swimming in the rich, garlicky cream sauce.
- One-bowl wonder: The air fryer does all the work (goodbye, giant pasta pot cleanup!).
- Crowd-pleaser: My picky nephew even eats the “red confetti” tomatoes—that’s a Christmas miracle right there.
Seriously, this dish tastes like you fussed for hours when really you’ve been sneaking extra eggnog the whole time.
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli
Gathering these ingredients is like wrapping presents—the right prep makes all the difference! Here’s exactly what you’ll need (and yes, I’ve learned these details the hard way):
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese ravioli – fresh or frozen both work (no thawing needed!)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken – I use rotisserie to save time, but leftover turkey works great too
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes – packed in oil, drained (save that flavorful oil for drizzling!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – room temp blends smoother (30 minutes on the counter does the trick)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan – the powdery kind melts best
- 1 tsp garlic powder – not garlic salt! (learned that lesson the salty way)
- 1/2 tsp dried basil – crush it between your fingers to wake up the flavor
- 1/2 tsp salt – start with this, then taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked adds holiday warmth
- 1 tbsp olive oil – or use that reserved sun-dried tomato oil for extra flavor
Pro tip: Double the sun-dried tomatoes if you’re like me and always fish for extra bits in the sauce!
Equipment You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple, just like my Christmas sanity demands! Here’s what you’ll grab from the kitchen:
- Air fryer – any size works, but don’t overcrowd the basket
- Mixing bowl – medium-sized so you can toss without splattering cream everywhere
- Tongs or silicone spatula – for gently flipping those precious ravioli
That’s it—no fancy gadgets needed. Now you’ve got more counter space for your Santa cookie platter!
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli
Okay, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to hum a Christmas carol. Just follow these simple steps – I’ve made every mistake possible so you don’t have to!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Ravioli
First, crank that air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – no skipping the preheat! While it warms up, toss your ravioli with the olive oil in a bowl. I like to use my hands to make sure every single pasta pillow gets lightly coated. This little oil bath is what gives them that gorgeous golden crispness later.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
Now for the magic! In another bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently – we’re making a sauce here, not kneading bread dough! The key is to mix just until everything comes together in a creamy, tomato-speckled dream.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Here’s where the holiday magic happens. Spread your oiled ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed – overcrowding is the enemy of crispness!). Cook for 5 minutes until they start getting lightly golden. Then carefully add them to the creamy chicken mixture and toss gently – I use silicone-tipped tongs to prevent any pasta casualties.
Return everything to the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the ravioli are perfectly crisp-tender. You’ll know it’s done when the Parmesan starts forming little golden freckles on the ravioli edges. That’s your cue to dig in while it’s gloriously hot!
Tips for the Best Christmas Air Fryer Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli
After making this dish every Christmas for five years (and several kitchen disasters), I’ve learned a few secrets to perfection:
- Give them space! Overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to sad, steamed ravioli instead of crispy golden pockets. Work in batches if needed – it’s worth the wait.
- Taste as you go: Sun-dried tomatoes vary in saltiness, so adjust seasoning after mixing. I usually add an extra pinch of garlic powder because… well, garlic makes everything better.
- Fresh herb upgrade: Swap dried basil for fresh at the end – a few torn basil leaves make it look (and smell) like Christmas came early.
- Crispness control: For extra crunch, air fry ravioli solo for 6 minutes before adding the sauce. My husband calls this the “ravioli chips” method!
Oh, and always save some extra Parmesan for sprinkling – because more cheese is always the right answer.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Holiday cooking should be flexible, not stressful! Here are my favorite ways to tweak this recipe when pantry surprises strike or dietary needs pop up:
- Cream swap: Almond milk works in a pinch (use 1/3 cup since it’s thinner), though the sauce won’t be quite as luxe. For dairy-free, coconut cream adds richness with a subtle tropical twist.
- Greens boost: Toss in a handful of baby spinach during the final air fry – it wilts perfectly and adds festive color.
- Protein options: Leftover holiday ham or cooked sausage make great chicken alternatives. My vegetarian sister loves mushroom-filled ravioli instead.
- Tomato twist: No sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers from a jar bring similar sweetness in a pinch.
Remember: The best Christmas meals are the ones that bring people together, no matter what’s in the bowl!
Serving Suggestions
This ravioli shines brightest when served with simple sides that don’t steal its Christmas spotlight! My family loves it with garlic knots for dipping in that creamy sauce – just tear and dunk. A crisp arugula salad with lemon dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. For holiday brunches, I’ll even top it with a fried egg – the runny yolk makes the most glorious sauce!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? No problem! Store any extra ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When that post-Christmas craving hits, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up! Pro tip: Add a splash of cream before reheating to keep the sauce luscious.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (because even at Christmas, curiosity strikes!):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 15g (thanks, chicken and cheese!)
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 18g (the good, flavorful kind)
- Fiber: 2g
Remember, these values are estimates based on my exact ingredients – your favorite brand of ravioli or extra sun-dried tomatoes might shift things slightly. But let’s be honest – when it’s Christmas and you’re eating golden ravioli, the only numbers that matter are how many helpings you sneak!
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about this Christmas air fryer ravioli – here are the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Absolutely! No need to thaw – just add an extra minute to the initial air fry time. The frozen ones actually get extra crispy edges that I adore.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor changes slightly, but it’s still deliciously creamy!
Can I prep this ahead for Christmas dinner?
You bet! Mix the filling ingredients (hold the cream) and store separately up to a day ahead. Add cream and ravioli just before air frying.
Why do my ravioli stick together?
Two culprits: overcrowding the basket or not enough oil. Give them space and that light olive oil coating – they’ll crisp up perfectly!
Got your own holiday twist on this recipe? Share your genius ideas in the comments – I’m always looking for new ways to make this dish even merrier!
Print
20-Minute Christmas Air Fryer Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Ravioli Bliss
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and creamy Christmas dish featuring air-fried ravioli with sun-dried tomato chicken filling.
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese ravioli
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss ravioli with olive oil and air fry for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked ravioli to the bowl and gently combine.
- Return the mixture to the air fryer and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen ravioli.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add spinach for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American